Assess The Pup's Behaviour

Ask The Breeder To Help You Assess The Pup's Behaviour

It’s impossible to accurately assess a pup’s behaviour, especially on only one visit. Besides, much of how it will eventually behave is based on future learning and experience. There is one exception however and that is testing a pup for innate, natural dominance. Pups that are dominant as youngsters are likely to grow into dominant adults. Experienced breeders know the personalities of individual pups. If they do the following, weekly from six to eight weeks of age they can more accurately assess dominance. Ask the breeder to carry out this test in a quiet place, away from mother and the littermates.

Pick up the dog.

Shivering

Tentative

Relaxed

Resistant

Aggressive

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2

3

4

5

Place the pup on the ground in a new, quiet area and watch him.

Shivering

Tentative

Relaxed

Inquisitive

Exuberantly curious

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2

3

4

5

Roll the pup on his back for a minute.

Shivering

Tentative

Relaxed

Wriggly

Aggressive

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2

3

4

5

Place the pup two meters in front of you, facing you, kneel down and call him.

Doesn't move

Tentative

Slow walk

Runs

Mows you down

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2

3

4

5

Pups that are insecure or nervous score lowest while confident, potentially dominant dogs score highest. Both extremes are best with experienced dog owners. If you are a new dog owner, pups with middle scores are likely to be the easiest for you to manage.